Sergeants 3 (1962)

1962 was an incredibly happy year for me, and the memory of seeing this film with my entire family is a treasured one. I loved seeing the Rat Pack up on the big screen, and I loved the ending BUT-It wasn't until I saw the film again more than fifty years later, that I realized the sting inside the ending. Sammy Davis Jr's character is now a part of the cavalry, which was his dream and that's great - however, it's the Tenth Cavalry. That's where he's being sent off to. As a young child, I never knew that was a completely segregated branch of the service. And none of the characters seem to react to this announcement. They just accept it as being the way things are.It actually gives the ending a bittersweet quality.

Praise the Gods and Ted Turner! This rarest of the Rat Pack Movies is now being periodically carried on the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) channel during tributes to Old Blue Eyes. The DVD was set up and now I can enjoy this any time I want.I have not seen this movie since its original release at the beginning of the 60's. Since movies can't change in the can, I guess I have. Or at least my view of the world. Back then I laughed like hell at Davis' wondering-out-loud on how they got the skin off the skulls without taking the headbands off, but now I wince at the stereotype of the uneducated Negro.Also, back then, the Western was king on TV (Maverick, Cheyenne, The Restless Gun, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rebel, The Virginian, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, et al) as was military stuff (Combat!, The Gallant Men, The Blue Angels, Wackiest Ship In The Army, McHales navy, etc) so as a young lad this was the best of both worlds, a Military Western. Funny, too.But world-weary vision aside, it's still a classic Rat Packer and very enjoyable. Sinatra actually does some acting, and this is probably one of Dino's best jobs short of The Young Lions.

If you are reading this you probably know how much fun this Rat Packfilm is to watch. You probably also have not seen it in years thanks to United Artists who own the rights. I don't think it will be made available for sale anytime soon. This is one of my favorites from this genre of film making. The reason is that I love the Rat Pack , western movies and comedies. But I think you have to be a big fan of the Rat Pack to have much interest in the film. This is why I don't think we will see it released for sale to the public. There are some folks selling copies of VHS & DVD (taped from reel). I would use caution when buying because I have spent money on some pretty bad versions over the years.

I never miss Gunga Din when it is on TV. It is a great story. When I was young, the Rat Pack remake was my favorite film, period. That this classic is not available in DVD or Video isn't fair. I want to show young kids this movie. I want to show ME this movie. Can't something be done?